Leading jumps rider Shaun Fannin is enjoying another top season in the saddle and is also making his mark as a trainer from his Awapuni base.
Fannin is currently setting the pace in the race for the Jumping Jockeys’ Premiership, a title he has claimed on multiple occasions, with 12 winners and he has a top chance to build on his lead at Te Rapa on Saturday.
He will also be hoping to add to his tally of seven training successes this season with three runners, including last-start winners Canbiteabit and Fourty Eight, on the synthetic track on his home course on Friday.
“I trained my first winner last October when Jesko won at Waverley,” Fannin said.
“I’m starting to build up a team around me and I am quite busy with 18 in work now.”
Fannin will combine with the Kevin Myers-trained Verry Flash in the Fairview Motors Waikato Hurdles (3200m) and is expecting another bold showing from the younger brother to the champion mare Verry Elleegant.
“He was impressive last week and he looks a big chance of winning again,” he said.
Successful eight times on the flat, Verry Flash bolted in by four lengths at Hastings to continue his rise through the hurdling ranks after opening his account over the smaller fences at Te Rapa last spring.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be on him both times he has won and hopefully he can make it three,” Fannin said.
“He can pull quite hard at times, but with a bit of cover he settles. With the quicker track on Saturday, and there looks to be a bit of speed as well, I’m sure he’ll get into a nice rhythm.
“He is also very adept in all conditions, he’s just an all-round good horse.”
In his training role on Friday, Fannin will be hoping to mirror his efforts from the last meeting on the all-weather surface at Awapuni where Canbiteabit and Fourty Eight broke their maidens in style.
“They seem as well as they were two weeks ago so there’s no reason why they both can’t repeat,” he said.
Canbiteabit will run in the Milton Park Stables Handicap (2140m) with Johnathan Parkes to continue his association with the son of Zed following their most recent six-length victory.
“He’s a bit of a pet and quite a cool horse, but he can be quite quick at giving you a nip, so he’s aptly named,” Fannin said.
Parkes will also partner Fourty Eight in the La Bull Café Handicap (1700m) following the son of Ekraar’s last-start course and distance success.
“Fourty Eight is probably looking for a bit further, but I didn’t want him to clash with the other horse,” Fannin said.
He will also be represented by Mr Beans The Name, who will be ridden by Jonathan Riddell in the Tim Harris Tyres & Auto Limited Maiden (2140m).
He should appreciate the step up in trip after a midfield finish on debut last month over 1600m at Trentham where he didn’t help his chances with a tardy getaway.